NEW INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1933, Page 3

NEW INDUSTRY

MONEY GAINED FROM SHARKS. EXPORT OF SKINS AND OIL. ‘AUCKLAND, June ,85. Particulars of the development of shark fishing as a new industry in Australia were given yesterday by Mr A. W.. Brockie, formerly manager of an Auckland trawling firm and now manager of Marine Industries, Limited, Sydney, who arrived at Auckland by the Wanganelh on a business visit.. A definite market existed iri England for many of the products, Mr Brockie said, and the company would shortly transfer the centre of it is fishing operations from the New . South Wales, coast to the northern Queensland coast, where the sea teethed with huge -sharks. '

“The most valuable products from, the shark are the skin and an oil obtained from the liver,’’ Mr Brockie s a id. "Shark skin makes an excellent faricy leather for the manufacture of ladies’ shoes and handbags, as well ,a 6 a strong leather for general purposes. The liver oil is used fo r medicinal purposes, but a second treatment of 'the shark diver produces an industrial oil, which is coming to be used as a lubricating oil for aeroplane engines.

“In addition, there i fi a considerable market in (Shanghai', Hongkong and •Singapore for sharks’ fins, from which the Chinese make ai soup which is regarded as a delicacy. There is a market there for the dried flesh, arid we are also installing plant for converting the flesh into fish meal for cattle and fish fertiliser to be used in Australia.”

Mr Brockie said he hardly thought there w? 6 -anv prospect of the establishment of simila,. industries in- New Zealand. Sharks wore-not plentiful enough for industrial purposes. Weather was another consideration. Off the Queensland coast, sharks could be caught in sheltered waters all the; year round.